Here is how I would attack the offseason if I was the GM of the New York Knicks!!
Keys
Resign OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein
Add the final piece to the “Nova Knicks” WITHOUT trading Julius Randle
Fill out the roster with quality depth through free agency and the draft
Extend Jalen Brunson now before next season
NYK Current Roster 2024-25
Julius Randle - $30.3/2yrs
Jalen Brunson - $24.9M/2yrs
Bojan Bogdanovic - $19M/1yr
OG Anunoby (PO) - $19.9M/1yr (Declined)
Josh Hart - $18.1M/4yrs
Mitchell Robinson - $14.3M/2yrs
Donte DiVincenzo - $11.4M/3yrs
Miles McBride - $4.7M/3yrs
Jericho Sims (TO) - $2M/1yr
NYK Unrestricted Free Agents 24-25
OG Anunoby - Resigns for $35M/4yrs
Isaiah Hartenstein - Resigns for $16.2M/4yrs
Alec Burks - Test FA
Precious Achiuwa - Tests FA
Shake Milton - Resigns for $2.5M/1yr (minimum)
The Trade
Knicks receive: Mikal Bridges and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Nets receive: Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels and 2024 1st round pick (#25 via DAL)
Pelicans receive: Zach LaVine, Mitchell Robinson, Alex Caruso and 2027 1st round pick swap w/CHI
Bulls receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance Jr, Dennis Schroder, 2025 1st round pick (from NY, via MIL), 2025 2nd round pick (from NY, via BKN), 2028 2nd round pick (from NY, via IND or PHX) and 2027 1st round pick swap w/NOP
Why They Do It
NY: The Knicks biggest needs are health, size and shot creation outside of Brunson and Randle. Bridges fits that perfectly while also being a seamless chemistry fit alongside his former Villanova teammates. Bridges and Anunoby as a defensive wing pairing is a nightmare for opposing offenses. JRE is filler but could be a very serviceable backup under Thibs. Instant title contender and perfectly matched up with Boston in the East.
BKN: The only way to justify letting Bridges go to NY is to upgrade from him. Ingram is a better player, better fit for this current roster, provides playmaking and is a more marketable player for their fans. This allows him the opportunity to be the #1 option on his own team. If it doesn’t work, his contract ends next offseason and they could use the cap space elsewhere. Brooklyn is crying out for a young guard to develop and Daniels is that player, giving them even more size. 1st round pick will allow them to take a serviceable role player.
NOLA: Have to move from Ingram. LaVine is a better fit as a #2 next to Zion and is locked in longer term than Ingram would’ve been. Robinson replaces Valanciunas (UFA), giving them a great defensive anchor and arguably the best offensive rebounder in basketball. CJ + LaVine backcourt will struggle defensively, enter Caruso who can be the POA defender they’ve desperately needed. Still allows enough flexibility to make another move if necessary.
CHI: Need to blow it up as much as possible. Bogdanovic, Nance Jr and Schroder help create a brilliant bench unit. All contracts end after this season, opening up cap space. 1st round pick in the super talented 2025 draft is huge. Filler picks to round out roster.
The Draft
The New York Knicks select:
Pick 24 - Kel’el Ware, C Indiana
Pick 38 - Keshad Johnson, SF/PF Arizona
Ware falling to 24 was huge, the perfect Mitchell Robinson replacement but he’s more than that. His ability to space the floor could become huge for Brunson and Randle who do their best work around the paint.
Johnson looks like he could be the prototypical 3&D wing, very similar to Anunoby. Thibs will turn him into a monster. Love it for a second round selection.
Free Agency
Reggie Bullock - $3.3M/1yr
Delon Wright - $2.9/1yr
Still $8.7M under the 2nd apron! Bullock brings veteran presence and experience under Thibs having played on the Knicks back in 2021. Underrated need for the Knicks is size at the guard positions as the rotation of Brunson, McBride and Divo was pretty short and exposed last postseason. Wright comes in to add some much needed size and be another floor spacer.
New York Knicks 2024-25 Depth Chart
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | Mikal Bridges | OG Anunoby | Julius Randle | Isaiah Hartenstein |
| Miles McBride | Donte DiVincenzo | Reggie Bullock | Josh Hart | Kel'el Ware |
| Delon Wright | Shake Milton | Keshad Johnson | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Jericho Sims |
End of 2024-25 Season Goal: Finals or Bust!
P.S. Brunson extension happens, forgot to include!